After reading through the first chapter, it is easy to see the advantages of today’s technology. With easy access to the internet, you can post something online and it will spread like wildfire. We see this in the example of the lost phone. The story was posted on a website, with the creator telling all of his friends. They all then told their friends, and eventually it was a story on larger websites like Digg. The story even became a news item.
Technology is changing the way we communicate, which in turn is changing society. We can send a friend a text message in an instant, no matter where they are. With the invention of the telephone came the accessibility to communicate as long as someone was home. Now we can communicate no matter where we are, what we’re doing. With the ability to constantly be in contact also allows for more group collaboration on things. Shirky mentions that no one really works alone, pointing out that Michelangelo had help on the Sistene Chapel, just as book writer works with editors, publishers, and designers. It is easier to work in groups with an easier way of communicating.
With more access to the internet and sites such as Flickr, more information is available to everyone. You don’t have to wait for the news to be on, you can just look up the latest stories online. This seems to lessen the need for professionals. For example, why would I need a professional photographer at a big event, if I can hire a friend with some photoshop experience and some extra time for a lot cheaper? Technology is has several advantages on the way we live our lives, and as we can see some are good but some are not so good.
No comments:
Post a Comment